This tabblo is for my friend, Simonette, who was exploring Siquijor underwater while I took my land tour :)

Siquijor Island was discovered by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565, during a Spanish expedition.  Siquijor was named Isla de Fuego (The Island of Fire), because of an eerie glow cast by the thousands of fireflies inhabiting the molave trees on the island.

Throughout history, Siquijor has been considered to be a mystical island, full of witches (mangkukulam) and other supernatural phenomena.  Its mystical character is both a curse and a blessing to the travel industry:  while some visitors still refuse to spend the night on the island, there are others who travel far and wide to reach a local mangkukulam (shaman, sorcerer, witch) for a talisman, an amulets to ward of evil spirits, or a potion to cure a particular illness.

Today, Siquijor is known more for its pristine waters and many unique attractions which include churches, a very old convent, waterfalls, caves, beaches, many of which will simply take your breath away.  There are a number of luxurious resorts on the island, and budget accommodations as well. 

My two days in Siquijor (one of which was spent touring the six towns with a tricycle driver taking me around) did not give me ample time to discover all its secrets, and I have promised myself that I would make a second (and perhaps a third) visit to this mysterious, magical island.